Werebeast Gongs CH 138 Mingya’s Baby

Opening Day dawned with a rare patch of winter warmth. The sky was a clear, translucent blue, the sunlight gentle and lazy. Even the wind carried an indescribable hint of tenderness.

Lei Jin was awakened by the crackling sound of bamboo being burned throughout the tribe, inside and out.

"It feels like spring," Lei Jin mused lazily as he jogged along the stream for his morning run.

In the grass shelter, a gazelle raised its head lethargically, surveying the still withered, sprawling grassland. Seeing hardly any familiar faces, it flicked its small tail and went back to chewing the rather tasteless dry grass and radish tops. The wind last night had been so gentle it had lulled the gazelle into dreaming of spring. Before the dream could finish, today’s reality ruthlessly shattered it. Filled with melancholy, it began to long for the days when green grass grew everywhere.

The morning sacrificial ceremony was held deep within the tribe’s refuge cave. The ground and stone walls were damp, glistening with layers of condensation. The old priest’s chanting echoed emptily in the vast cavern, reverberating until ears buzzed.

Xiya, Moya, and seven other werebeasts stood respectfully behind the old priest, heads bowed solemnly. They had been chosen from among the werebeasts who had brought in the most game that year. Merely standing in that position was an immense honor.

The ritual was long and intricate. Lei Jin, concealed within the crowd, silently stifled a yawn behind his hand. He straightened slightly, his gaze drifting to Moya standing at the very edge. His expression was cool, long lashes half-lowered. Even after four years of knowing him, he still maintained this aloof, seemingly ascetic, unapproachable demeanor in public. Yet, it was undeniably attractive.

Suddenly, the old priest’s voice rose sharply. Responding cries surged from below. Before Lei Jin could clearly see what was happening, wave after wave of sacrificial offerings were being thrown far out.

"May our families be safe and sound in the coming year." Everyone chanted this phrase as they emerged from the cave.

"I heard the sacrificial offerings thrown down in the past were the young, strong werebeasts chosen to stand there," Roger remarked abruptly as they descended the mountain path.

"Oh," Lei Jin responded, rubbing the bridge of his nose. What happened in the past was irrelevant; as long as it wasn't happening now, it was fine. He had no interest in the bloody history Roger studied.

"Uncle Roger, don't scare us like that, it sends chills down my spine," Mura, who was walking with them, protested.

"Alright, alright, I won't say anymore," Roger relented. "Mura, come to our place for dumplings today. We made a lot."

Mura hesitated. "Lunch probably won't work. Dad is coming over. Papa has already gone home early to cook."

Roger smiled and didn't press further.

Back home, they stoked the brazier and boiled water for the dumplings. The dumplings had been wrapped early that morning: lamb with a bit of onion, pork with chives, and mushroom, cabbage, and tofu mixed together. The meat was pounded by hand, forming plump, rounded fillings with a better chew than knife-chopped mince. There were also some sugar dumplings for the little ones, pinched by Mingya into various strange shapes, making them easy to spot.

The dipping sauces were simple: one dish of mashed garlic with vinegar, another of fried dried chilies. They stir-fried a few more dishes. It wasn't an extravagant spread, but Lei Jin was back, Pomelo and Orange were home, and the rest of the family was safe and sound. What could be better than that? The family gathered around the table; the steaming hot dumplings were delicious.

After lunch, they cleared the table and set out large bowls of peanuts, melon seeds, walnut candy, and honeyed fruits. Soon, visitors arrived for the New Year calls.

The werebeasts swapped tales of hunting adventures, while the females discussed this year's harvest. Moya even boiled a pot of chestnuts, steaming hot.

Seizing a rare moment of leisure, Lei Jin's lazy bones took over. He half-reclined against the waist-high windowsill – he had a particular fondness for window sills.

"Did you go see the old priest?" Roger asked suddenly. The abrupt pronouncement about the spirits' will at the ceremony's end – cherishing their forests and grasslands – had nearly made him laugh out loud. Even the spirits were keeping up with the times! In the entire tribe, besides Lei Jin, he couldn't think of a second person bold enough to co-opt the spirits. This kind of unorthodox yet unexpectedly practical method was classic Lei Jin.

"The old priest likes me quite a lot," Lei Jin replied. The old priest was a sensible man; otherwise, he wouldn't have cooperated. The sound of children's laughter and play in the yard softened the momentary coldness that flickered in Lei Jin's eyes. Within reason, he didn't mind lending a hand. But for those stubbornly seeking their own destruction, he had no interest. However, since Xiya and the others wanted to protect their home, he would help.

"Yes, yes, everyone loves you," Roger echoed, the phrase sounding strangely familiar. He paused slightly, then resumed grinding a piece of charcoal in his hand, making a few small adjustments to the nearly finished blueprint.

Werebeasts were naturally combative. Even as youngsters, they'd spar whenever they got together. But Bubbles stayed aloof from these contests, just standing under the eaves with his hands tucked into his sleeves, smiling as he watched Grapes.

Pomelo and Orange, though softer with their older brothers at home, weren't pushovers outside. Blindly trusting their ol dad's earnest advice, they often ganged up two against one. Few of the slightly older kids could handle them.

"It looked like the weather was turning when we had lunch. The wind must be picking up. Don't let the children catch cold, bring them inside to play," Moya suggested. The wind chime he'd made himself, with its clattering pottery and wood pieces, sounded louder now.

"It's fine, let them be," Lei Jin replied. Though he adored his children, he didn't want to coddle them. A bit of roughhousing was good for them.

The evening bonfire was the main event, though the ceremony itself was relatively simple. The werebeasts who had stood with the priest that morning lit the bonfire structure together. Bamboo branches were thrown into the flames, crackling loudly like firecrackers. The clan leader led everyone, holding bowls of water collected from the snowy mountains, circling the bonfire twice before sprinkling the water on the steps of the shrine, praying for favorable weather in the coming year.

After that, it was free rein: drinking, roasting meat, singing, dancing. The temperature dropped at night, but everyone was having too much fun to care. Xiya and the others, mindful of Lei Jin's current condition and the little ones, didn't dare stay long. After eating some roasted meat and bidding farewell to the crowd, they headed home.

"It might snow heavily tomorrow," An Luo remarked on the way back.

By midnight, the wind had grown fierce, rattling the windows.

Lei Jin stirred. Moya woke instantly, his eyes gleaming in the dark. "Are you cold?"

"No, just can't sleep." The newly made cotton quilt was thick and warm. They had plenty of cotton left; they could make many more things next year.

Lei Jin slept naked year-round. Moya slid a hand beneath the covers. The baby was only a little over a month old; Lei Jin's waistline was still taut and beautiful. "During the ceremony today, why were you staring at me?" Lei Jin's scorching gaze had made it difficult for him to maintain his composure on the altar.

Lei Jin chuckled, pulling Moya closer to snuggle. Today really feels like a proper reunion New Year, he thought.

The next morning, the sky was leaden. Before noon, a blizzard struck. The north wind whipped up vast clouds of dead grass and snowflakes, pelting down.

Inside, the charcoal fire blazed warmly. A small earthenware pot simmered with sugar pears; the water was boiling, bubbling vigorously. Pomelo and Orange sat at the table, tails wagging as they practiced writing – crooked numbers one through ten, looking like scribbles. Grapes was showing Bubbles the medicinal herbs he'd gathered all autumn.

Meanwhile, the four fathers, led by Lei Jin, were gathered around the bed, enthusiastically engaged in... a card game of "Turtle" – stripping off clothes as penalties. Xiya had the worst luck; wrapped in a quilt, he was down to just his shorts. Moya wasn't much better, stripped to the waist. Lei Jin fared slightly better, still in his underclothes. As for Mingya, his luck was infuriatingly good; he hadn't lost once.

"Nine out of ten of those are useless weeds," Lei Jin commented offhandedly, glancing at the four little ones. He knew Grapes' little collection all too well.

The final round ended in Xiya's utter defeat. The other three pounced, stripping him completely naked, while the four little ones cheered them on.

Ah, how fulfilling this family's life was!

Before dusk, darkness had fallen completely. The blizzard showed no sign of stopping. The sound of tree branches snapping under the weight of snow echoed constantly from the yard – crack, crack, crack.

"The door's blocked by snow, I can't push it open," Lei Jin said after several attempts. The door didn't budge.

"Let me try," Mingya offered, finishing the last of his sugar-pear water and wiping his mouth as he ran over.

"Don't you dare move! I'll climb out the window and shovel the snow first," Lei Jin ordered. With Mingya's brute strength and lack of finesse, there was a real risk he'd smash the door down. The thought of that happening in such a blizzard was unthinkable.

Lei Jin climbed out the window. His feet sank half a foot into the snow the moment they touched the ground. Outside was a vast expanse of white; the snow was falling heavily. A cold gust made him tighten his collar and shiver. He found the stone shovel leaning against the wall. He'd only shoveled a few strokes when he sensed something odd. Beneath the snow, something stirred – neat rows of small flames flickered, as if something was slowly awakening.

Even Lei Jin, as bold as he was, was startled by this bizarre sight and took a step back.

One, two, three...

"What's wrong, Lei Jin?" Mingya, unable to relax, had followed him out the window.

"Mingya, I'm back!" A small white creature adorned with three small flames cried out joyfully as it leaped from the snow, lunging straight for Mingya. A slightly larger one nearby launched itself into the air, delivering a swift kick. The little fox tumbled head over heels through the air before landing back on the ground, spraying snow everywhere.

"Our Number Eleven is immature," the leading white Phantom Fox nodded in apology. Five others of varying sizes followed behind him.

"Third Brother..." The little fox crawled back mournfully and lined up obediently at the end.

Phantom Foxes were wild and untamed. The little fox had always come and gone from their home as it pleased, and no one paid much attention to its whereabouts. But this time, it seemed the entire family intended to relocate and settle here permanently.

After forty-five days of the Moon Sacrifice Festival, spring arrived as promised in the fifth year. Ice and snow melted, migratory birds flew north, and the grasslands bustled with life once more. The tribal market hadn't started yet. After the busy spring planting, everyone had some free time. The materials for Lei Jin's family's new house were all ready this time, so construction began quickly and progressed well.

Close friends like Qi Luo, Ivey, and Mura’s families naturally pitched in daily, dedicating their time. Jia He found some skilled, familiar carpenters. Lei Jin had dealt with stonemasons before, so communication was easy. Plus, their family had good standing in the tribe, so many people came to help, one way or another.

Xiya and the others were busy leading the work crew every day, but Lei Jin wasn't idle either. Heavy labor like moving stones, carrying mud, or hoisting beams wasn't for him, but he ensured the logistics – the meals – were perfectly handled: generous chunks of meat, large plates of vegetables, all rich and hearty.

Roger was truly invested this time. Not only had he consulted Lei Jin beforehand and drawn up blueprints, but he was also on-site daily, overseeing the progress. Lei Jin didn't understand everything Roger said, mostly just assisting him.

After three months, by late spring/early summer, the house was finally complete. The tribal market and the hunting season had happened intermittently during this time, so it wasn't like they'd had nothing else to do. Kun Ge and Le Ping had visited but couldn't be properly hosted, so Lei Jin promised they could stay next year.

The house boasted seven spacious rooms. There were also two wing rooms on the east and west sides. Unlike the popular pig pens and chicken coops of the time, they didn't have any. They had agreed to take over Ivey's shop and wouldn't have time to raise livestock. Besides, neither Lei Jin nor Roger had the patience for it.

Of the seven rooms, one served as the main hall. The remaining six: one was reserved for An Bu, one for the children, and the other four. Lei Jin suggested one room each for the four of them. Xiya smiled noncommittally. Moya pressed his lips together and said nothing. Mingya acted like he hadn't heard.

As Lei Jin had requested, the windows were much larger than usual. Jia He's craftsmanship showed in the fine lattice wooden frames, set with clean, translucent crystal panes. Inside, a half-meter-wide windowsill ran along the wall. At midday, when the sun was strong, the entire room filled with bright, warm light. Because the grasslands were windy, an additional set of shutters was installed outside. The floors and interior walls were clad in wooden planks. The timber, felled from tall trees deep in the mountains, was hard and durable. Polished smooth, it gleamed faintly. Jia He said wood like this wouldn't rot even soaked in water. Heating ducts were dug beneath the house to solve the winter heating problem. Roger had initially wanted a fireplace in the main hall, but considering all the wood and the young children, he eventually gave up. The house was situated on a gentle slope. On the south side, a spacious wooden veranda was built about two feet off the ground, furnished with tables and chairs – perfect for admiring the vast grassland scenery, sipping tea, and enjoying the cool breeze in summer. Beneath the veranda was the den settled by the fox family.

The two west wing rooms: one was used for storage, the other designated as a kitchen. However, the family didn't plan to cook separately; meals would still be prepared at Roger's place. This room only had a stove, mainly for heating water. Roger had also commissioned a large, sealed baking oven, hoping for a stroke of culinary inspiration someday to bake cakes or bread. Thinking of Roger's cooking skills, Lei Jin chuckled inwardly but outwardly humored him. It was good for people to have aspirations; he wouldn't dampen his enthusiasm.

The two east wing rooms were tidied up, each furnished with a bed. They held miscellaneous items normally but could be quickly cleared to serve as guest rooms when needed.

Between the house and the stream, digging for soil had created a large pit. Xiya and the others later landscaped it, and Lei Jin used it to plant lotus roots. The lotus seeds had been sprouted earlier; now it was just a matter of transplanting them.

After letting the house air out for half a month, the furniture Jia He had been making arrived piece by piece. Besides the usual beds, tables, chairs, stools, and wardrobes, there were also simple recliners, shelving units, and lamp stands for displaying pearls.

By the time everything was settled and ready to move in, summer was already half over. Lan Qi visited during this time and took away Bubbles, who had run away from home half a year prior. Lei Jin entered the ninth month of his pregnancy, but the baby showed no sign of arriving, terrifying the whole family. After all, werebeasts gestated for about eight months, females for nine. Tian Qi, after taking his pulse, only assured them the baby was fine but had no solution for how to get it out. Lei Jin, however, could eat, drink, and sleep normally; aside from his large belly, he felt fine. This baby was even quieter than Grapes had been. In nearly ten months inside him, it had moved only a handful of times, starting around six months. At first, Qing Qiao the healer had suspected it might be stillborn.

Summer faded into autumn. The pond echoed with the croaking of frogs, its waters a deep, melting green. Finally, in the tenth month, the baby was born. This time, Xiya and the other two were all present for the birth. The process was smooth. The baby had sparse, silvery-white hair. In the blink of an eye, it shrank into a silvery-white furball. Lei Jin, conscious this time, watched his baby werebeast's first transformation with fascination. But the baby didn't cry. Healer Qing Qiao patted its bottom a few times. It opened its mouth, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief – only for it to just yawn, wrap its chubby paws around its head, and fall back asleep.

He ate everything. Within a month, he had visibly grown larger. He still slept most of the time but had mastered rolling quite effectively. If the family wasn't careful, he would curl into a ball and roll thump-thump-thump to all corners of the house. Scenes of the whole family frantically searching every nook and cranny for the baby became commonplace. Once, with great patience and persistence, he rolled off the bed, out of the room, off the veranda, into the yard, and nearly drowned in the pond. Luckily, one of the fox brothers was quick enough to drag him back.

Scared half to death, Lei Jin resorted to tying a cloth strap around his belly. The three older children were endlessly curious about this baby brother who only slept, often pulling his ears or nibbling his tail. Perhaps because of their similar fur color, the little foxes also adored him. On fine days, they would often carry him outside to sunbathe.

"Baby, time to eat!" Whenever Lei Jin said this, he would immediately flip onto his back, mouth wide open, looking ready to swallow the bowl whole.

At first, Lei Jin was utterly charmed by this chubby, eating-and-sleeping ball. He insisted on cradling him against his chest every night. His fur was fine and soft, carrying a milky scent. His four little paws were plump and meaty; even if he scratched, it didn't hurt. When hungry or needing to relieve himself, he would extend a damp little tongue to lick Lei Jin's chin – though it was usually hunger. When he was hungry, Lei Jin fed him. Just like that, two months flew by. The little one grew increasingly large. Lei Jin's arms ached carrying him outside. Eventually, he had to resort to carrying him slung over his shoulder. The tribe's females saw this and were envious, praising Lei Jin's fourth baby, saying he was bigger at two months than others' babies at six months. Carefree as ever, Lei Jin basked in the pride for quite a while. Though this was his third time as a father, Lei Jin wasn't naturally attentive or gentle. For babies, he only knew to feed them when hungry and let them sleep when tired. Eating and sleeping well meant a healthy baby. Roger, however, thought more deeply. The fourth baby growing so fast was abnormal; maybe there was an underlying issue? When Chunji returned from herb gathering and saw the baby, he was also alarmed. Though he found nothing wrong, he advised Lei Jin to feed him less.

Following Lei Jin's naming style, Roger suggested "Apple", symbolizing peace and safety in both Eastern and Western cultures, hoping this extraordinary baby would grow up safely. Apple it was. Lei Jin scratched the plump Apple drooling on his shoulder, and the name was settled.

Just feed him less, Lei Jin thought, simple enough. He let him fuss for the first couple of days, assuming he would adjust. But Apple kept it up for over half a month without stopping. When hungry, he would keep his mouth open wide for a long time, waiting in vain for his father to deliver food. First, he would make short "gurgle" sounds, meaning "I'm hungry, feed me!" If ignored, he would stiffen his tail, holding it straight up and wagging it vigorously left and right, trying to attract attention. When all that failed, he deployed his trump card: rolling. Sniffing out where people were, he would roll towards them. For this baby's sake, Moya had already wrapped layers of rope and animal hide around the legs of all the tables and chairs in the room and laid thick rugs over the wooden floors.

The door was closed. Lei Jin ignored Apple rolling around like a top and continued to laze on the windowsill, enjoying the autumn sun. This half-meter-wide built-in windowsill was Lei Jin's specific request. He often napped there, sun warming him, breeze blowing – pure bliss.

Apple rolled faster and faster. Lei Jin felt a pang of guilt, but he'd only fed him an hour ago, and for other reasons, he couldn't indulge him this time. Baby werebeasts usually opened their eyes after a month or so, then gradually learned to walk. The fastest took less than a month; the slowest never exceeded two months. But Apple was nearly three months old and hadn't opened even one eye! They didn't even know his eye color! Though there was an 80% chance it was Mingya's azure blue, he should at least open them! Steeling himself, Lei Jin continued to ignore him.

Just then, the door was pushed open by an almost imperceptible crack. Lei Jin pretended not to see Phantom Fox Number Eleven darting in. Apple's commotion above – the sensitive Phantom Foxes living beneath the house couldn't miss it. They adored this silvery-white, gluttonous baby. Eleven had a long string of white milk-fruit around its neck. With a flick of its sharp hunting claw, one milk-fruit landed in Apple's mouth. The fruit had thin skin and juicy flesh; Apple's tender gums could easily break it. He smacked his lips, sucking the juice contentedly.

As backup, a lookout perched in the tree outside. The crow, rubbing its wings, started nagging Lei Jin again: "I want a fur hat! The northeast wind every year gives me a headache! A headache!"

Outside, on the pear tree, Mingya was helping the crow arrange a spacious, comfortable nest. The crow (whom Lei Jin had named "Little Black") clearly intended to stick around. Little Black's friends, the family of four swallows nesting under the eaves, were collectively known as "the Little Blues."

It had been autumn for three months now. The swallow family, the Little Blues, were packing up, ready to migrate south at any moment. Little Black the crow didn't want to spend winter alone. Hearing that Lei Jin's family planned to go to the Sacred Lake for winter, it wanted to tag along. Hence, its desire for a warm hat.

How could there be such clever, human-like birds? The crow pecked at the feathers on its chest, quite pleased with its own intelligence.

Number Eleven finished feeding the milk-fruit and slipped out as silently as it had entered. Apple, not realizing it was over, opened its mouth again. When nothing dropped in, it began rolling in search of its next target.

Lei Jin pulled out the leather-strap slingshot beside him and silently aimed it at the crow's head.

"Ah! Cheapskate! Cheapskate! How much fur could I possibly use?" the crow squawked with immense grievance, but it didn't slow his tail-feathers as he vanished in a flash.

The pears outside the window were ripe, emitting an enticing fragrance. These pears were different from modern ones; they grew in clusters, alternating left and right. The ones on the left were paler and painfully sour, only good for jam. The ones on the right were greener, sweet, crisp, and perfect for eating. Each pear was as big as a werebeast's two fists. Those on the higher branches sagged under their weight. Seeing Apple rolling towards the window, Lei Jin reached out and plucked two green pears. He wiped them casually on his clothes and took a loud crunch – the juice was refreshing. Apple, hearing the sound of eating, rolled over at speed.

Lei Jin gritted his teeth. Why did this baby only move when it involved food?

Apple affectionately licked Lei Jin's dangling ankle. Lei Jin kept munching his pear. When he felt enough time had passed, he spoke: "Big Apple, open your eyes and look at Daddy."

Lei Jin watched intently. After a long moment, nothing happened. Another failure, he thought, gently nudging Apple's forehead away with his foot. But then, a miracle occurred. Apple's right eyeball visibly twitched, as if straining to lift the eyelid.

Thrilled, Lei Jin swung his legs off the windowsill in one fluid motion. He grabbed a large cluster of milk-fruit from a bowl on the table and crouched down, coaxing: "Big Apple, open your eyes, and Daddy will give you food."

Apple, smelling the milk-fruit, lifted his heavy head, pursing his lips to bite. Lei Jin held it just out of reach – Apple could touch it but not eat. Apple seemed to panic; loud "gurgles" erupted from his belly.

"Big Apple, open your eyes! Look at Daddy! Even if it's just one eye!"

The next moment, Lei Jin was stunned. Apple's eyes really opened this time. But only one. The right eye. Blood-red. The color of a ruby, dazzlingly brilliant. The color signifying Mingya's loss of control. A baby's gaze is always clear and bottomless, so Lei Jin could plainly see that his own reflection was nowhere in that eye. The pupil darted around, focused solely on the cluster of milk-fruit.

"Ah..." Apple opened his mouth wide.

Seeing Apple's utterly single-minded greed, the anger of being ignored by his son easily overpowered Lei Jin's initial fear. He tossed the milk-fruit aside, grabbed Apple, and pulled him close to his face. "Are you that lazy?! I said open one eye, and you only open one?!"

Mingya was behind the house curing meat. He had just finished kneading it and was about to apply salt when he heard Lei Jin's roar. Knowing he was probably arguing with Apple again, he quickly wiped his hands, untied the small leather apron around his waist, and ran inside.

"What's wrong, Lei Jin?" Mingya first picked up Lei Jin, who was kneeling on the floor, and placed him back on the windowsill. Then he looked at Apple. One glance, and he froze too. "The baby's eyes?"

"It's exactly what you see," Lei Jin retorted, glaring at the chubby Apple, still fuming.

Apple remained blissfully unaware of his father's anger. He stayed sprawled on the floor, blinking his single, large ruby-red eye, looking at Lei Jin, then at Mingya. He nibbled his own little tail, his expression clearly conveying hunger.

Mingya's heart softened. This was the baby Lei Jin had borne for him. Whatever he looked like, he loved him. He shifted into his beast form, lay down on the floor, and gently licked Apple.

Apple, perhaps momentarily forgetting his hunger and relieved to be freed from his father's grip, seemed happy too. He actively rolled into the space between Mingya's front paws and nuzzled Mingya's chin with his head.

Lei Jin had no recourse against this pair of exasperatingly simple father and son. He put on his shoes, climbed out the window, untied the gazelle, mounted it, and left them to their bonding.

"Lei Jin, don't go too far!" Mingya called after him from the window.

"Got it! Keep an eye on your lazy son!" Lei Jin called back, holding the reins.

It was late autumn now. Though the weather had been warm this year, and Lei Jin wore light clothes at home, he felt the chill the moment he stepped outside. He couldn't be bothered to go back for more layers. After galloping a loop across the grasslands, his body warmed up, and his mood lifted considerably. Honestly, after a long stretch of days centered around a chubby baby by the warm stove, boredom had started to set in.

"Daddy!" Grapes came running across the little wooden bridge spanning the stream, arms outstretched.

Lei Jin bent down, lifted him up, and settled him in front of him, holding him close. "Where did you go today?"

"Went with Eldest Dad to the mountains! We picked lots of mushrooms! There's a little dam in the lake water; the grass on top is all yellow. You can walk straight to the little island! There are lots of red fruit trees on the island! The fruit falls into the water, and little yellow ferrets float up from underwater caves to eat it! Eldest Dad catches them with grass nets! Roasted, their bones are crispy! Delicious! Eldest Dad knows so many fun places! And..." Lei Jin smiled, watching Grapes chatter with starry-eyed admiration, gesturing animatedly. When it came to fun, no one in the family could match Xiya. According to Roger, he'd roamed every mountain and valley since childhood; he knew which trees had bird nests even outside the tribe. Now the children adored following him; he always brought unexpected delights.

Shortly after the lotus pond was dug, Lei Jin had conveniently set up two swing frames nearby. Thick, sturdy hemp ropes supported simple wide wooden planks. He hadn't had such things as a child. Now, even with simple materials, he wanted his children to have more fun. An Bu occasionally came to stay for a few days, playing with the children.

Over time, Lei Jin realized An Bu was quite a thoughtful person – much like Moya in that regard. Lei Jin had mentioned offhandedly a few days ago that the wooden planks seemed too simple; he worried the children might fall. Lei Jin hadn't taken it seriously, thinking the thick grass beneath would cushion any fall. Unexpectedly, An Bu arrived today with two wide-mouthed large wicker baskets to replace the planks. They had slightly concave bottoms and high backs. Even Lei Jin could comfortably sit – or even nap – in one, let alone the children.

Another harvest season passed. The cellar was full. So, using leftover timber from building the house, they constructed a new granary specifically for storing grain. The corn, still on the cob, wasn't stored yet. Moya, An Sen, and the others brought in the wheat and rice stalks dried in the fields. They were stored unhusked to last longer.

Apple opened his left eye about a month later. Winter had arrived. While it wasn't bitterly cold yet, the werebeasts of the household decided to dig lotus roots from the pond. An Bu was there too, but everyone forbade him from going into the water. So Lei Jin, Roger, and An Bu stayed on the veranda. A small charcoal stove beneath their feet boiled water. Lei Jin brewed barley tea for everyone. The roasted barley kernels naturally released an enticing, toasty aroma. Roger and An Bu weren't talkative, speaking only occasionally. Lei Jin carried most of the conversation.

The werebeasts were digging lotus roots for the first time and lacked experience. The roots they pulled up were broken, fragmented, and filled with mud. Since it was all for their own consumption, just requiring more washing, Lei Jin didn't mind. Apple slept peacefully in his arms.

"When do you plan to hold the bonding ceremony?" Roger asked, blowing on his tea.

"Either this winter or next spring," Lei Jin replied. He was mainly worried about Apple – lazy and gluttonous. He was reluctant to be away for so long. The ceremony would be followed immediately by the trip to the Sacred Lake; the whole thing would take nearly two months.

"It's better to settle this matter sooner. We'll take care of the children," An Bu reassured him, dispelling his concern.

Mingya leaped out of the water, clutching a wriggling fish. They hadn't stocked the pond with fish fry; this one must have washed in. Mingya laughed and called out to Lei Jin. The fish, gleaming silver in the sunlight, arced towards him.

Lei Jin's attention was fully on Mingya. He didn't notice Apple waking up. Apple smelled the food in his father's hand and tried to get closer to eat. Clumsily, he bumped into Lei Jin's arm. The teacup in Lei Jin's hand tipped, spilling tea all over Apple's head and face.

"Apple!" Lei Jin quickly grabbed a cloth towel nearby to dry him off, pinching his ears. "You little dummy!" Luckily, the tea had cooled a bit and wasn't scalding.

"Give him to me. Go change your clothes," Roger offered, standing up to take Apple. Lei Jin's pants were soaked too.

Apple moved for once, pressing against Lei Jin's chest and licking the tea residue from his hand in small, careful licks.

"Stop drinking that, it's dirty," Lei Jin scolded, using his left hand to push Apple's paw away.

Apple squirmed vigorously in his grip. Lei Jin almost lost his hold. Seeing Apple look at him again with that red eye, he instinctively covered it with his right hand. He didn't mean to, but it gave him a strange feeling. He had let go of his grievances with Mingya, but the memory of their violent encounter in the temple when Mingya came of age was too vivid. Seeing Apple's red eye always brought that scene back.

Distracted, a scene similar to a month ago unfolded. This time, it was Apple's left eyeball that moved. When the eyelid lifted, it revealed a clear, rain-washed azure blue.

Left eye: Azure Blue. Right eye: Ruby Red. What kind of bizarre combination was this?

Lei Jin paused, then hugged him tightly. "Big Apple, ol’ Dad won't reject you for your... imperfection."

"Ah..." Apple obligingly opened his mouth in response.

Lei Jin's mouth twitched suspiciously. He tossed Apple into Roger's arms and went back inside to change clothes.

"This eye color...?" An Bu leaned closer, studying Apple's mismatched eyes carefully. Apple slept most of the time; this was the first time An Bu had seen his eyes up close.

"A sign of power?" Roger finished his thought.

"You know about this?" An Bu looked up, surprised.

"I heard it from the old priest. He told me some ancient chants passed down through generations. Snow Leopards might originally have been called Blood Leopards because they were born with blood-red eyes. The purer and earlier the red appeared, the greater the power. Later, Snow Leopards became fewer in the tribe, let alone ones with red eyes."

An Bu nodded. "I always thought that was just a legend. I'd never seen it. I haven't even seen An Luo's eyes turn red. It seems our baby here will be very powerful when he grows up."

"That's not necessarily true," Roger countered, less optimistic. Mingya had it too, appearing when he was fifteen to save Lei Jin. Yet he remained... well, Mingya. Simple.

Despite his "imperfection," Apple had finally opened both eyes. Lei Jin felt a weight lift from his heart. He finally relented on the bonding ceremony. They would hold it this winter.

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